Ships hit by U-boats


Suomen Poika

Finnish Steam merchant



Photo courtesy of Suomen Merimuseo

NameSuomen Poika
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage1,099 tons
Completed1921 - Sandvikens Skeppsdocka & Mekaniska Verkstad A/B, Helsinki 
OwnerSuomen Höyrylaiva O/Y, Helsinki 
HomeportHelsinki 
Date of attack16 Sep 1939Nationality:      Finnish
 
FateCaptured by U-41 (Gustav-Adolf Mugler)
Position58° 00'N, 4° 00'E - Grid AN 4635
Complement? men (0 dead and ? survivors).
Convoy
RouteRauma - Hull 
CargoGeneral cargo and cellulose 
History Completed in November 1921 for Reposaaren Höyrysaha O/Y, Helsingfors. 1928 sold to Suomen Höyrylaiva O/Y, Helsinki.

Post-war:
In 1944/45 the Suomen Poika was seized by the Soviet Union as war reparation and renamed Pioner. Probably lost in 1949. 
Notes on event

At 05.05 hours on 16 Sep 1939 the Vega was stopped by U-41 and a prize crew (Oblt Harms and two crewmen) placed on board to bring the steamer to Wilhelmshaven. At 06.30 hours, the Suomen Poika was also stopped by the U-boat and ordered the master to follow the other Finnish ship to Germany because the vessels were carrying contraband to Britain. Both ships arrived in Cuxhaven/Steubenhöft at 11.30 hours on 18 September.

On 4 October, the Vega was released after unloading the cargo and Suomen Poika followed two days later after parts of the cargo were unloaded.

 


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